How to Renew Vehicle Registration (Istimara) in Qatar 2024?

Do you know how to legally keep your Qatari vehicle on the road?

The process of renewing your vehicle registration is important for all vehicle owners in the country, known locally as Istimara. In this guide, you’ll learn How To Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar.

Taking on the renewal process can seem challenging, especially with a variety of rules and requirements to follow. You can avoid potential fines and save time by understanding the steps to renew your Istimara efficiently, whether you’ve lived abroad for years or are a new expat.

In this guide, you will be guided through the necessary steps, to ensure your safety and peace of mind on the road.

Understanding the Requirements to Renew your Vehicle Registration in Qatar

Understanding the prerequisites is essential before you begin the process to Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar. The following requirements must be met to renew your Istimara in Qatar:

Clear All Traffic Fines

Make sure you have settled any outstanding Qatar traffic fines or violations. It may hinder the renewal process if you fail to do so.

Vehicle Inspection

To ensure that a vehicle is roadworthy, it must undergo a technical inspection every three years. It is mandatory that you complete this inspection before renewing your Istimara.

Valid Vehicle Insurance

In order to renew Istimara, you must provide proof of a valid and renewed vehicle insurance policy.

Fulfilling these requirements will help you navigate the process to Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar smoothly.

Requirements to Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar

Method 1: Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar at the Traffic Department

The traditional method to Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar is to visit the Traffic Department office in person. You can follow this step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Ensure that you have the following documents with you before you visit the Traffic Department:

The old Istimara (registration certificate for your vehicle)
You must have a valid Qatari ID
Your vehicle registration copy

Step 2: Visit the Traffic Department Office

Visit the Istimara Renewal section of the Traffic Department office closest to you in Qatar.

Step 3: Submit Documents

Provide the officer with the necessary documents. The officer will verify your documents and may ask you additional questions.

Step 4: Vehicle Inspection (if applicable)

You will be directed to an authorized inspection center if your vehicle is due for an Istimara inspection. Traffic Department officers will provide you with a list of authorized vehicle inspection centers.

Step 5: Payment

Upon submitting your documents and completing any necessary inspections, you will be required to pay the renewal fee. You can pay with a debit or credit card.

Step 6: Collect Your New Istimara

You will receive your new Istimara once the payment process is complete. Before leaving the Traffic Department, verify that all the information on the card is accurate.

If you want to drive a motorbike, explore how to get a motorbike license in Qatar.

Method 2: Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar via Ministry of Interior’s e-Services Portal

Step 1: Access the Online Portal

By accessing the Ministry of Interior’s dedicated e-services platform, you can Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar online. Securely log in to the portal with your Qatar ID and password.

Step 2: Locate the Renewal Service

You can renew vehicle registrations or Istimara once you have logged in. Navigate through the available services. You may find this listed under “Traffic Services” or a similar category.

Step 3: Provide Vehicle Information and Make Payment

After selecting the renewal service, you’ll be prompted to enter your vehicle’s make, model, year, and registration number. Before proceeding, carefully review the information and verify it. Payment of renewal fees will also require a valid credit card.

Step 4: Obtain a Temporary Registration Document

You will receive a temporary Istimara document for your vehicle once your payment has been successfully processed. A temporary registration allows you to operate your vehicle legally for a period of seven days until you receive your new, permanent Istimara card.

Step 5: Receive Renewed Istimara via Delivery

The new Istimara card will be delivered to the registered address associated with your account within a few business days after you complete the online renewal process. The renewed registration document will have the updated validity period and serve as proof of your vehicle’s legal status.

You can check your Qatar ID Fines at Qatar ID Fine Check.

Method 3: Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar via Metrash2 Mobile Application

Step 1: Log in to the Application

Access Metrash2 from your mobile device and log in.

Step 2: Navigate to Vehicle Registration

Navigate to “Traffic,” then “Vehicle Services,” and then “New Vehicle Registration.”

Step 3: Fill Out Form

Please complete the required form with the details of your vehicle.

Step 4: Check Insurance and Inspection Status

You’ll be notified if your vehicle has valid insurance and if an Istimara inspection is needed (through FAHES).

Step 5: Complete Necessary Steps

Be sure to perform any necessary steps, such as getting an inspection or renewing your insurance.

Step 6: Make Payment and Delivery Selection

Payment can be made with a debit or credit card, and you can choose the method of delivery for your new Istimara card.

Istimara Renewal Fees in Qatar

Renewal costs for Istimaras in Qatar vary based on the type of vehicle and the length of the term. The fee for renewing a private car for one year is QAR 250, and the fee for renewing a car for two years is QAR 500. Those renewing their motorcycles for a year can expect to pay 150 Qatari Riyals or 300 Qatari Riyals.

According to vehicle type, here are Istimara renewal fees:

Motorcycles: QAR 100 per year
Private Passenger Cars: QAR 150 per year
Taxis: QAR 200 per year
Light Vehicles: QAR 100 per year
Private Transport Vehicles (Buses): QAR 150 per year
Construction, Agricultural, and Industrial Vehicles: QAR 250 per year

Considering these fees are subject to change, it’s wise to verify the current rates before beginning the renewal process.

Istimara Renewal Locations in Qatar

The Traffic Department of Qatar operates several authorized service centers where you can renew your Istimara. With these convenient locations across the country, everyone can easily access these service centers.

Sunday through Thursday, the service centers operate from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You should always check the specific operating hours of your nearest service center before visiting.

How to Check Vehicle Registration (Istimara) Validity in Qatar?

To avoid penalties and fines, it is essential that your vehicle’s registration (Istimara) remains valid. Through the following steps, Qatari authorities have made it easy and convenient for residents to check the validity of their vehicle registration certificates:

Step 1: Visit the Ministry of Interior’s website.
Step 2: Input your vehicle’s plate number into the designated field.
Step 3: Verify the entered details to make sure they are accurate.
Step 4: Submit the security check by entering the verification code.
Step 5: Click on “Inquire” to find out if your Istimara is still valid and if there are any outstanding traffic violations.

You can see the expiration date of your Istimara on the website if it is still valid. The website, however, will indicate the expiration date and notify you that renewal is needed if your Istimara has expired.

What are the different types of Istimara?

Qatar offers several categories of Istimara to accommodate different vehicle types and purposes. The main types are as follows:

Personal Vehicle Istimara: Designed for privately owned cars and motorcycles used for personal transportation, it is the most commonly issued type.
Heavy Equipment Istimara: Specifically designed for heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, industrial activities, and other specialized fields, including cranes, bulldozers, and excavators.
Commercial Vehicle Istimara: This category includes commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and taxis used in business operations.

To comply with Qatar’s regulations, ensure your vehicle has the appropriate Istimara category.

You can check the status of your Qatar ID at Qatar ID Check and in case it has expired make sure to apply for the Qatar ID Renewal Process.

What data is written on the Istimara card?

A Qatari Istimara card provides comprehensive information about a vehicle’s ownership and registration. Istimara cards contain key details such as:

Registration number of a vehicle
Name and identification number of the owner
Initial registration date of the vehicle
Chassis and engine numbers
Gross vehicle weight
Make, model, and year of manufacture of the vehicle
Istimara expiration date
Color of the vehicle
Fuel type used by the vehicle
Number of cylinders in the vehicle’s engine

If your Istimara card is not kept up-to-date, you may be fined and other penalties may be imposed by the authorities.

If you’ve applied for the Qatar Visa, you can check its status at Qatar Visa Check.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when renewing Istimara?

In Qatar, renewing your vehicle’s Istimara (registration) is generally straightforward. However, individuals tend to make a few common mistakes, which can result in unnecessary delays, complications, or penalties. If you want a hassle-free process, you should be aware of the following pitfalls and avoid them:

Procrastination

Initiating the renewal process too late is one of the most common mistakes. When it comes to completing projects at the eleventh hour, it can cause undue stress and increase the risk of encountering delays or issues. To ensure sufficient time for completing any necessary steps, the renewal process should begin well before the Istimara’s expiration date.

Overlooking vehicle inspections

Istimara renewal in Qatar requires vehicles older than three years to undergo an annual technical inspection. Delays or denials of renewal applications may result from failure to schedule and complete this mandatory inspection in a timely manner.

Ignoring insurance renewal

It is a prerequisite for renewing your Istimara that you carry a valid and current vehicle insurance policy. If you forget to renew your insurance policy or fail to provide proof of renewal, it can complicate the process of renewing your Istimara policy.

In order to streamline the Istimara renewal process, it is important to be aware of these common pitfalls and take proactive measures to avoid them. Keeping organized, following the requirements diligently, and initiating the renewal process well in advance are the keys to a seamless renewal process.

Failing to clear outstanding fines

If you have outstanding traffic fines or violations associated with your vehicle, you need to settle them before renewing your Istimara. Until your fines are paid, you will not be able to successfully renew your registration.

Insufficient documentation

The renewal process requires specific documents, such as your old Istimara, your vehicle registration, and your Qatari ID. Having these documents readily available can prevent unnecessary visits to the Traffic Department or online portal, thereby prolonging the process unnecessarily.

That’s all from How to Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar – Guide.

FAQs

Visit a MOI service center or Hukoomi service point if you prefer to renew your vehicle registration in person: Prepare documents, including your QID and vehicle inspection report.

It costs QAR100 to register a vehicle and transfer registration. If you want to customize the plate number, you may have to pay extra.

Apply for Istimara renewal online on the MOI website or the Metrash2 app (Android | iOS).

Wrapping Up

For all vehicle owners in Qatar, renewing Istimara is a crucial process. To be able to operate your vehicle legally on public roads, you must follow the above instructions of How to Renew Vehicle Registration Istimara in Qatar to make sure that your vehicle meets all required conditions.